Who is eligible to apply for the competition?
Any mid-Atlantic business is eligible to apply.
What documents should I submit so my application is eligible for the competition?
You will need to complete Steps 1 & 2 in order to for your application to be reviewed for the competition.
It is also highly recommended you complete Step 3 by uploading the following:
Full Business Plan (PDF), Financials and Exhibits (Marketing Materials such as: brochures, business cards, photos of product samples and prototypes, etc.)
How do I know if all my files have been submitted?
After completing each section of the application, you should get a green check confirming the section is completed. However, you can email hmbrooks@salisbury.edu to make sure all your documents have been submitted.
Can someone review my business plan?
Yes. You can contact Rick Leibowitz (fmleibowitz@salisbury.edu) of the SBDC Small Business Development Center, Michael Jensen (mdjensen@salisbury.edu) of the SU Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship or reach out to Heather Brooks (hmbrooks@salisbury.edu) to request an appointment for business plan assistance.
When will I know if my application has been accepted into the competition?
Our team will complete a 1 – 2 week internal review of each applicant then, we will personally invite each competitor via phone and email.
What happens if it turns out that I'm not prepared to compete this round?
- If we determine you are unable to compete, before submitting the application: you are welcome to re-apply for a future round.
- If we determine you are unable to compete, after submitting the application: you will be able to re-apply for a future round. Please email hmbrooks@salisbury.edu to communicate any changes.
- If you were invited to compete but are unable to: Please notify the Competition Coordinator, Heather Brooks at: hmbrooks@salisbury.edu. You will be eligible to apply to a future competition.
I didn't submit all my information for Steps 1 & 2 before the deadline. Can I still submit my application after the cut-off date?
Unfortunately, once the application process for a semester's competition cycle closes, no new applications will be accepted until the next cycle. We would, however, love to have you re-apply for the next Shore Hatchery competition! More information on the next information cycle can be found on the Shore Hatchery website closer to the next cycle's start date.
I was a previous Shore Hatchery winner. Am I eligible to apply again?
Unfortunately, competitors can only compete once.
I'm looking for ways to scale my business/start crowdfunding/etc. What resources does the Shore Hatchery have on these topics?
For assistance with developing your business, we recommend you reach out to one of our Ecosystem partners, Bill Bernard (TEDCO), Rick Leibowitz (SBDC) or Lisa Twilley (MCE). Contact information is available on the Coaches & Mentors page.
Additionally, you can use the following web resources as well:
My question hasn't been answered.
Don't see the answer to your question on this page? Please email Heather Brooks, at hmbrooks@salisbury.edu .
